Letter to Marie 14 Nov 1952

The following is the letter that Fr. Meder referred to when he wrote to my father, Charles A. Fries) on Nov 16, 1951.
I almost certain that I have seen this letter in the past although I do not remember the fact that there was another Lieutenant (i.e., Paul Zinsky)  in the Jeep with my Uncle Joe and Father Meder.   I recently came across a letter that my Dad sent to Lieutenant Paul Zinsky imploring him for more details - I will transcribe this letter also in a day or two.
Here is the first ? letter that Father Meder sent to my Aunt Marie.

HEADQUARTERS
38^th INFANTRY REGIMENT
APO 248 c/o Postmaster

San Francisco, California

                                                                                          14 November 1951 

Mrs. Marie O’Donnell

73 Linden Street

Brooklyn, New York

Dear Mrs. O’Donnell:

                I write, Mrs. O’Donnell, to express to you my heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your beloved husband, First Lieutenant Joseph T. O’Donnell, 0-1059578, Company A, 38^th Infantry Regiment. On 7 October just after Sunday Mass I met Joseph for the first time.  He and another officer, Lieutenant Paul Zinsky, had arrived at the regiment just the day before, and we were on their way to the first battalion to which both of them had been assigned.  As I was going past their unit, Joseph and Paul rode along in my Jeep.  It was quite a long ride, which took us over a rather high mountain pass; so that there was ample time to get acquainted.  I told them all that I knew about Korea and the war, while Joe talked mostly of you and the children.  It was easy to see that he loved his family very dearly.

The following Wednesday I offered up Holy Mass in the field for the first battalion as they were to go on the line the following day.  Joseph attended this Mass and received Holy Communion as well.  The next day Joseph’s unit went into the attack.  Your husband was platoon leader, and though he was with his men only a few days, they had the greatest respect and admiration for him.   This action took place in the vicinity of Hondang-ni, North Korea, on a ridge line, 1,100 meters high.  In this very difficult terrain Joseph personally led two assaults against the enemy.  Both times he came through without being wounded.  Sometime later when another platoon needed help, your husband rushed forward to assist them.  As he did so an enemy mortar round exploded not more than a foot or so from Joseph, wounding him in the head.  He died instantly, and thus was spared any prolonged suffering.

Several days after this engagement I was able to get to say Mass just a few yards from the place where Joe was killed.  The Mass was offered for all the members of Company A, who had given their lives in that action.

You should make a sincere effort, Mrs. O’Donnell, not to let bitterness take possession of your heavy in your loss of such a brave and good husband.  Joseph would want you, I am sure to be brave and courageous for the sake of your children and his.  They are the greatest heritage he has left you.  If at times your burden of sorrow seems too heavy, lean heavily on Our Lord and His sorrowful Mother for help and consolation.

Should you desire any further information, Mrs. O’Donnell, do not hesitate to write me.

Your husband, Joseph, and all the other brace men of the 38^th Regiment, who have made the supreme sacrifice, are remembered daily at the altar.  May God grant them eternal rest, and peace and comfort to you in your bereavement.

                                                                              James R. Meder,
                                                                               Catholic Chaplain